How to Choose a Contractor

Aug 19 2016

Choosing a contractor to perform work on your home can be a arduous experience. Finding someone you trust to perform the work the way you want, in the time frame you need, is not an easy task. In this blog I will discuss a step by step process to ensure you end up with the right contractor who will perform the renovation of your dreams.

Discuss goals and expectations for the project: You along with anyone else who has input in the decisions should discuss your goals for the outcome of the project including time frame and budget.

Research blog sites and reviews on the products you may use: Have a good idea of what’s available and attainable in your market. Once you’ve read consumer’s opinions on a product, get ready to ask your proposed contractors for their opinions as well.

Internet research on contractors: Use anything from Angie’s List to local family associations online for recommendations on licensed contractors in your area

Telephone Interview: Call at least 5 contractor’s and conduct phone interviews. Pay close attention to their demeanor and willingness to answer questions. This will be a direct indication of how they will treat you when you have questions on a job site. Make sure they are licensed and insured. From the 5 you will choose three and call them back to set an appointment for an in-home estimate that should be free of charge.

In house Interview: This is where you have to be prepared to explain the goals and expectations you have discussed. With all your questions written down, be prepared to take notes on information they offer or notes on their general performance during the estimate. How knowledgeable are they with the products you’ve chosen? How many jobs in their portfolio match yours? These are all key things to observe about your candidates.

Discuss and assess the qualifications and general demeanor of your contractor candidates so that you make a great decision: By having a clear plan for your renovation, doing your due diligence, expressing these needs, and getting them in writing from a qualified service provider; you have set yourself up for success in this renovations process.

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Praise

From start to finish the experience was fantastic. Kevin listened carefully to what we wanted, and designed just what we were looking for. His entire crew was top notch craftsmen. They took great pride in their work, and it showed. The finished product is amazing, and they left our yard as neat as it was when they started. This was one of the best experiences we have ever had when hiring someone to work at our house. I can't recommend anyone higher than Kevin Florindo and his crew at Blue Star.

Robert Trenkle

Pool Deck

Kevin and his team are perfectionists - and they recognize and address any and all eventualities (i.e., reinforcement to underlying structure that is needed, blending of front to back etc.) without drama or delay. Kevin is incredibly helpful at all stages of the project - scoping it out, designing, choosing materials, etc. He and his teams personify what it means to be professional. They arrive when they say they will arrive, they work to get the job done (no lapses in schedule/reschedulings etc.). And Kevin was extremely accommodating in terms of getting everything accomplished in time for a family gathering/holiday. Absolutely fabulous. I recommend them without hesitation. Do it!

Meryl Kaynard

Front Porch

I am one of those extremely picky customers and they left me speechless. The neighbors are all Wow'd!! The attention to detail and perfection was evident in the final outcome. Kevin is easy and personable to deal with, he is available for your questions from the sale to completion. The crew were outstanding and professional, and the job site was left spic and span. We even had to exchange material unexpectedly and the job was still completed ahead of schedule. I would recommend them highly, you will not be disappointed. Thumbs Up!

Jody Scardino

Backyard Deck

Not only did they complete a 24' x 11' deck with railings and 2 sets of stairs in 2 days, they were polite and respectful. The had to have been the best contractor to clean every last bit of debris as if they were never there.